Come Unto Christ in the Afton Wyoming Stake

05/03/2026

“Our Father in Heaven carries out His eternal work by ministering to the individual needs of His children one by one. The Savior showed us this pattern often during His mortal ministry as He compassionately blessed, healed, and cared for “the one.” He invites us to do likewise—to minister in individual and personal ways, ways that help us to feel the love of God. When we feel loved and seen by Him, it changes everything. And when we bless the one, we bless the whole.”

-Sister Kristin M. Yee

04/26/2026

04/19/2026

THREE - it takes three!

Peacegiver, Husband, Wife

Without telling anyone but the Lord how bad my marriage was, I went in to the stake president to renew my temple recommend. He looked at me and said I feel prompted to tell you to read this book called the Peacegiver and read it together with your husband. Read it together. Then when you pray each night as a couple, whoever’s turn it is to pray, thank the Lord out loud for something your spouse has done that day. It’s one thing to thank someone, but to thank them in front of our God is much more.

How could I go home and tell my husband this. He will not want to hear me tell him what to do. Especially right now. And neither one of us is thankful for anything the other does. I was willing to do it but had no hope in it.

I got home and my husband asked me how my interview went. Hesitantly, I told him what was said anticipating a not so great response. Instead, he paused and said, “Well I guess we better do it then.” I about fell over.

We both took turns reading to each other this book. Each night we prayed together and had to really reach to find something to thank each other for. It was so hard! But now we were searching for the good in each other and how the other was trying. The book helped me realize I actually thought I was better than him. I started seeing neither of us is better than the other. It took years of work to heal us. It took me working to heal me, build my relationship with Christ, see him as he is and if he was taking steps to heal himself and build his relationship with Christ and taking steps to see me.

We are currently celebrating 20 years of marriage happier than we have ever been. Christ and each other are our best friends. But it is because it takes 3, no less.

I testify that Christ’s effort is perfect in a marriage. I testify that love is not enough, instead love with action is needed while hearing the Holy Ghost. I testify that both the man and the woman are required to show this effort. Hear Him advice by President Nelson is key. He knows what marriage is not healthy. He knows what marriage is going to heal. He knows which marriage will not. Trust Him and don’t let go of that answer. I testify the Savior is real in our marriages in His name Jesus the Christ amen.

-Julie Deroche

04/12/2026

Regarding the Character of Christ, see these resent quotes from General Conference.

Elder Bednar
“Character is revealed … in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering; in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry; and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress.”

President Christofferson
“When we consider the character of the Savior, we tend to focus immediately on His attributes, such as virtue, integrity, humility, compassion, and courage, but we should also consider, What is it in Jesus that gives rise to such character traits? I believe they are the natural fruit of the thoughts, desires, and intents of His heart. Christlike character grows out of a Christlike heart. Thus, if we are to succeed in developing a Christlike character, we must possess His motivations—His thoughts, desires, and intents of the heart. For us, it will require what the scriptures call a mighty change of heart.”

President Oaks
“My brothers and sisters, as followers of Christ, let us follow Him by forgoing contention and by using the language and methods of peacemakers. In our families and other personal relationships, let us avoid what is harsh and hateful. Let us seek to be holy, like our Savior.”
The full messages given can be found here:

https://www2.byui.edu/presentations/transcripts/religionsymposium/2003_01_25_Bednar.htm

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/51christofferson?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/49oaks?lang=eng

04/06/2026

Shortly before the crucifixion, Jesus met with his disciples who must have felt anxious about what lay ahead for them. He promised to send the Holy Ghost, or Comforter, and then spoke these reassuring words, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) And then again, after appearing unto his disciples following the resurrection, and before ascending into heaven, he reminded them, "Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." (John 20:21)

Before coming to Earth, we gathered as spirit children of our Father in Heaven. We knew the plan. Jesus would come, atone for our sins, be resurrected, provide a pattern for how we are to live and what we are to become, and through him, we could be made whole both in this life and in the next. We knew that despite the uncertainty, anxiety, or fear caused by everything around us, Jesus Christ would be the source of peace. Miraculously, Jesus came and fulfilled everything he promised, allowing us to receive eternal life by following Him. Easter is the beginning of that new life in Christ.

I am so thankful for the "new Life" I have received in Jesus. It hasn't come without some mistakes or setbacks along the way, but I strive to improve. Thankfully, because of the enduring love our Savior has for us, he readily welcomes me each time I turn to him and I have felt the peace he repeatedly promises that we can find in Him.

-President England

04/05/2026

Matthew 28:6 “He is not here: for He is risen”

He lives and because of Him we will all live again. This is one of the most comforting and reassuring promises that we have. Death is an essential part of the plan, but we know because of Jesus Christ that not only will we be resurrected with a perfect body but that our relationships will continue beyond the grave. Death can be one of the hardest challenges of life. The pain and sorrow we feel is real because of the love we have for others. How each person deals with death can differ vastly based on their belief and faith in the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Having a sure knowledge of life after and an understanding of the Resurrection can bring peace and comfort when loved ones die. I was asked to be a pall bearer at a funeral of a man who was not a member of our faith. The grief and extreme sorrow that was exhibited by his wife was one of hopelessness, despair, and anger. She could not accept the reality of his death because with her understanding she would never see nor be with him again. In her mind, he was forever gone. That pain was real, and it was devastating to watch as she cried out and bitterly clung to the casket as if somehow, she could hold onto him in a desperate attempt to fight against the reality of death. It broke my heart to watch this extreme and painful struggle. Now contrast that with others who have lost loved ones, but who understand and have faith in the purpose and plan of life. Death is real and it brings great pain and loss, but that pain is often softened and swallowed up in Christ and the promises He provides. Visiting with a sister whose husband had recently died, reaffirmed this fact. She was comforted in her knowledge of life after and the promise of resurrection. She reassured others of the plan, of eternal families and the peace that comes from knowing and believing in this wonderful promise made possible by the Savior. When my wife was battling cancer, we spoke often and openly of the possibility of her not surviving. There was no bitterness or anger from either of us as we faced this great trial. Our faith was in Jesus Christ and His plan. We knew that we were sealed as a family and that if she were to pass prematurely everything would be ok. Death would only be a short separation from each other, that our bodies would be reunited with our spirits and that we would be together forever. She was confident and held strong to this doctrine. She reassured and comforted many including our children that it was in the hands of the Lord and that we should trust Him and his plan for us. This brought so much peace in a time when the future was so uncertain.

Though death brings real pain and separation, the Savior’s victory over the grave offers peace and assurance that these partings are temporary. We can find comfort in knowing that our loved ones are not lost, and that through Jesus Christ, we will be reunited. His Resurrection is a gift to all, filling our hearts with joy, healing, and the promise of eternal life.

Mormon 9:13
And because of the redemption of man, which came by Jesus Christ, they are brought back into the presence of the Lord; yea, this is wherein all men are redeemed, because the death of Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection, which bringeth to pass a redemption from an endless sleep, from which sleep all men shall be awakened by the power of God when the trump shall sound; and they shall come forth, both small and great, and all shall stand before his bar, being redeemed and loosed from this eternal band of death, which death is a temporal death.

-President Milne

04/04/2026

Day 7 - “I am the Light”

Have you ever looked at a newborn infant and wished they could give us a clue about where they have been? Their tenderness and light reflect the innocence and divine image of purity. Elder Holland has said, “I testify that babies and children and youth are images of the kingdom of God flourishing on earth in all of its strength and beauty.” I truly believe this statement. In Mathew 18:2-4 it says, “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Heaven seems close when you look into the eyes of babies and young children! All children are born with His light. Elder Holland continues, “Children really do love Him, and that love can carry over into their other relationships in the playground of life. As a rule, even in their youngest years, children love so easily, they forgive so readily, they laugh so delightfully that even the coldest, hardest heart can melt.”

It has been a privilege to watch so many primaries in our stake sing the newly added song, “This Little Light of Mine.” Everytime they sing it, they sing it with a smile on their faces and with a southern twang! The words say, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” Young children have true and sincere desires to have the light of Christ be with them always. For some reason, however, that light seems harder and harder to keep as a constant the older we get. Elder Uchtdorf reminds us, “if you think that means you can stop practicing and studying, you’ll gradually lose the knowledge and abilities you once acquired at great cost. Your origin story is divine, and so is your destiny. You left heaven to come here, but heaven has never left you!” This statement teaches us that it takes effort to keep the light of Christ with us. We each have to do the work to keep the Light of Christ with us.

As a teenager I had a personal and profound experience with the Book of Mormon scripture found in Alma 5:14 which states: And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? For me, the questions in these versus caused deep reflection and consideration. I vividly remember looking in the mirror and wondering if I could see the Light of Christ in my own eyes? Did I have this mighty change of heart? Had I received His image in my countenance? From this moment forward I dedicated my personal studies to finding ways to have His light in my eyes. I also found myself looking for that light in others as well. It did not take long for me to understand, just as Elder Uchtdorf has stated, “Simply put, discipleship takes self-discipline.” He continues to say that being a disciple of Christ, “is a practice of every day, every hour. It takes constant learning and determined commitment. It endures because we keep nourishing it, we keep actively applying it, and we never give up.” I hope and pray that we can follow the examples of children and the Savior Himself and let our light shine before men! It will take constant effort and determination, but we can do it! The final verse of the song “This Little Light of Mine” is, “Jesus gave it to me, I’m gonna let it shine!” I know that the greatest desire of our Father in Heaven is to show and share the Light of Christ everywhere we go. I know that as we make consistent effort His light will be reflected in our eyes. He will know us when he comes again, because we will be like Him.

Sister Jen Hoopes - Stake Primary President

04/03/2026

As I contemplated this day in the life of the Savior, I felt an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude. I cannot even begin to imagine the spiritual, emotional, and physical suffering He experienced. He took upon Himself all the sin, pain, cares, and anguish of every person in this world. He was betrayed by His closest friends, unjustly tried, mocked, beaten, and then forced to carry His cross, only to be nailed to it through His hands and feet. In His darkest moment, as He hung alone in anguish, He spoke the beautiful words of mercy and forgiveness: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

What a powerful example of forgiveness and love for the very people who sought to take His life. My brothers once stuffed me in the bottom of a sleeping bag, tied the top, and threw me into the snow on Christmas Day for what felt like hours (it was probably minutes), and I still hold a grudge to this day!

I testify that the same forgiveness He extended to those who crucified Him is offered to you and to me. I have seen this power in my life, and I have witnessed it many times while serving as a bishop. The Savior’s forgiveness is real, and it changes lives.

Do you believe Christ when He says you can be forgiven? That your sins, though as scarlet, can become white as snow? That He remembers them no more? He wants you to believe that deep in your soul. He wants you to know that your mistakes do not make you less than, but instead q teach you to become like Him. Your value is infinite because you were purchased with the blood of the greatest being this world has ever known. You are doing better than you realize, and your Father in Heaven loves you for it. He is not disappointed when we struggle and make mistakes, only if you refuse to use the Atonement in your life.

I testify that forgiveness is real and that the arms of mercy are stretched out to each of you. He will never forget you, because you are engraved upon the palms of His hands.

Brothers and sisters, I speak for all the bishops of the Afton Wyoming Stake when I say that if something is holding you back, if you are carrying a heavy burden, if you are struggling with sin, know that you are not alone. Please reach out to your bishop and place your cares upon the Savior. We understand how difficult it can feel, and the mountain may seem insurmountable. We may not have all the answers, but I promise that you will never walk alone. Along with the Savior, we will help you carry your burdens, navigate the climb, and reach the top of the mountain together. We love you!!

Bishop Hokanson

04/02/2026

The Easter season holds wonderful memories for me. As a child, Easter morning was full of excitement and fun. My siblings and I would each have an Easter basket hidden somewhere in our home. It was a small house, but sometimes it would take hours to find your basket.

A lot of time has passed since those childhood memories were created, and some of the people who helped me create them are no longer living here upon the earth.

My mother would always teach us about the last week of Jesus’s life, and I have always had perfect faith and confidence that those I love who have passed on will be resurrected and that I will be with them again.

Because He said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

Just as my memories of Easter are dear to my heart, so is my knowledge of Jesus Christ as my Savior and Redeemer. Because of the power of His Redemption and Resurrection, we can live again with Him.

Because of Him, we have joy.

I testify that He lives. In His holy name, amen.

—President Lancaster

04/01/2026

In the Gospel of Mark 14:3–9, the anointing at Bethany presents a quiet but powerful lesson in devotion. A woman pours costly perfume upon Jesus, and while some—most notably Judas Iscariot—criticize the act as wasteful, the Savior defends her with the simple yet profound words: “She hath done what she could.” Christ was not measuring the price of the gift but the devotion of the heart behind it. Her offering symbolized love, recognition of the Savior’s mission, and preparation for His coming sacrifice. True discipleship is not calculated by worldly efficiency but by sincere willingness to give our best.

I often find myself reflecting on how easily I measure actions by monetary value or practical outcomes rather than by devotion to the Savior. Like those who questioned the woman’s offering, I sometimes worry about cost or criticism when I should simply act in faith and love. The Savior’s praise—“she hath done what she could”—reminds me that sincere efforts matter more than perfect results. As William Shakespeare wrote in King Lear, “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” Though simple, that thought echoes the lesson of Bethany: the Lord values willing hearts and faithful deeds, even when the world questions their worth.

-Ross Pieper

03/30/2026

It is an immense privilege to walk with my Savior, Jesus Christ, during this extraordinary week leading up to Easter. I am deeply grateful for the spirit of this season and the opportunity to remember the events of Holy Week. As I go about this season, I am reflecting on these questions: What can I sacrifice for Jesus Christ? And, what can I do daily to sanctify myself to fully live in the joy of the Resurrection?

It is pure joy!

We understand that Christ’s journey into Holy Week involved a deliberate, strenuous trek — approximately 18 miles and a climb of over 3,000 feet—from the depths of Jericho to Jerusalem. He moved from what is considered one of the lowest points on earth to the heights of Mount Zion, setting His focus on Jerusalem for you and for me.

In Jericho, He literally lifted the low from their state of despair. He healed. He sat with the despised. He provided hope. Then, on Palm Sunday, He rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey, symbolizing the humility He brought from Jericho. Crowds welcomed Him with shouts of "Hosanna," waving palm branches and laying down their cloaks. Yet, it would not take long for this demonstration of love and praise for the King of Kings to shift to chaos and confrontation.

On Monday, in an act of devotion to His Father, Christ entered the Temple, only to find this sacred house of prayer had been turned into a “den of thieves”, filled with money changers and merchants. It had become a marketplace for profit rather than a place of worship. Jesus drove out those buying and selling, overturned tables and cleared the Temple courts. Yet, even amidst this turmoil, He continued to show love by healing and offering hope to those he taught.

As I consider the stark shift from Palm Sunday to the Monday cleansing, I am struck by how perfectly this scene can mirror my own life—the transition from Sunday worship to the Monday frenzy. Sunday’s bring clarity on who Jesus Christ is and the full extent of His power in my life. Yet, by Monday, the list of to-do’s, appointments and responsibilities so easily can diminish the very message shouted in the streets of Jerusalem that Palm Sunday, “Hosanna”.

So, I ask myself: What is it about Christ’s deliberate journey from Jericho, to the heights of Palm Sunday in Jerusalem, to the chaos of the Temple grounds that I want to preserve as I go about this Holy Week and every week after?

I want to carry that welcoming "Hosanna" in my heart every single day. Christ will save me. He will be right by my side through all the depths and heights I experience throughout my life. He will save me from the chaotic, messy distractions of MY world—my perfectionistic habits, my selfish tendencies, and my moments of doubt. Christ is in control of my "temple grounds" and as I allow Him, He will clean it, not allowing unholy practices prevent me from feeling His peace, His healing, and His hope each and every day.

It starts by preserving the spirit of Sunday worship and translating that "Hosanna" into every day of my Holy Week. Because, that’s just what it is, MY Holy Week. A moment to reflect on everything Jesus Christ conquered for me.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Easter. “He is risen! He is risen! ….Death is conquered; man is free. Christ has won the victory.”

— Ashley Cranney